I used my spare time to study the many different ways to invest, from publicly-traded securities to direct real estate to private equity (angel investing).One of the opportunities I discovered was real estate investment trusts through Ralph Block's Investing in REITs book and the National Association of REITs site.

@Rich HupperHi Rich, Can you share which bank/cu/institutions allow this?

The National Restaurant Association lobby obviously missed out here.

An interesting point about HELOC, the lending institution, in bad financial times can call the loan due.

@Evan Polaski I personally know a national lender with competitive rates that will do a 30 year conventional on an investment property in any state. 

I started my search for lenders at big national chains to see the difference, and it was pretty depressing.

As Michael said, the language is very broad but the few institutions I've seen are only doing a "check the box" method. 

The lead Republican and Democratic on House Ways and Means/Senate Finance and our industry group (and chief lobbyist) the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, ALL have come out in the last 48 hours and said the IRS is out of line right now and are not following the intent of the law.  

Here's a question I want to put forth regarding my getting pre-qualified.Presently I'm putting the pieces in play to buy a duplex property or single-family home where i might an ADU in back to live in while I rent out the main house.This will be my first deal that I am seeking a loan from an institutional lender.My credit score is outstanding (820+) but I don't currently own any real estate.So my question - We often hear BP investors talk about the importance of meeting local lenders, credit unions, etc. in order to develop relationships with these local lenders.Since this will be my first deal in my name, am I better off simply connecting with a good mortgage broker rather than going to several lenders directly to shop for the best solution for me?

I don't see this topic covered at every conference, but feel it's an important one - especially given tightened underwriting by institutional lenders.